This paper discusses drivers and challenges in vehicle concept design to derive new requirements for computer-aided support. The main challenges discussed are supporting functional, systems and multidisciplinary thinking and modeling in addition to more traditional drivers, e.g. reducing time-to-market. The paper re-thinks the requirements and needs for concept models and methods from a fundamental viewpoint by reviewing the process for concept design and its major tasks. A framework is then presented, based on the VDI 2221, that links computer-aided models, methods and tools for concept design to major tasks. Key challenges for providing improved computational support are then discussed. Focus is placed on developing extended product models that incorporate requirements, functions and conceptual solutions, in addition to product structure, and related new methods for automatically generating alternative concepts and solutions. Finally, three examples of ongoing research aimed at providing improved computer support for concept design are presented using vehicle applications: gearbox design automation, SysML as a modeling language for concept modeling of technical systems and an extended product model and method for automated synthesis of powertrain architectures.     «

This paper discusses drivers and challenges in vehicle concept design to derive new requirements for computer-aided support. The main challenges discussed are supporting functional, systems and multidisciplinary thinking and modeling in addition to more traditional drivers, e.g. reducing time-to-market. The paper re-thinks the requirements and needs for concept models and methods from a fundamental viewpoint by reviewing the process for concept design and its major tasks. A framework is then pre...     »